Commissioner Dr. Carolyn Ransom-Scott said the developer had done its best. “I am impressed with how you tried,” she said. Scott supported the release of the obligation along with Miguel Bustos and Darshan Singh.

Witte explained that when they first designed the space Whole Foods was interested in being a tenant, but later dropped out. Since then, they haven’t had any takers. Some objected to the size or lack of parking, or the split-level design.

Rosales wondered if they could hold the developer responsible for a “dumb” design that no other grocer wants.

Witte said that the design seemed plausible at the time. “We didn’t go into this thinking this is never going to work,” he said.

A nearby grocery also opened in the intervening time, Woodlands, but residents say it is too expensive.

Related California will now look to lease the space to someone in the food and beverage industry.

Katina Johnson, a member of the citizens committee, suggested the space was likely Transbay’s last chance for a grocery.

“I’m frustrated,” Johnson said. “North Beach doesn’t even have a functional grocery store. I think we are headed in the same direction.”

She continued, “The neighborhood wants and expects to have an affordable grocer.”